If you’re like me, you’re a bit run-down this month. Despite the holiday excitement that sparkles in the windows of every shop and the eyes of every child, this twenty-something is feeling a bit tired. But here we are starting another week– and I ask myself, “What’s it going to be?”
Am I going to drag my feet through this week, unmotivated to take exams, go to work, complete my chores and follow through on promises? Am I going to tell people that “I’m tired” when they ask me how I’m doing? Will there be complaint after complaint coming from my mouth?
Or can I be in the process of something far greater than my present circumstances?
Recently, a friend shared a quote with me (below) that really made me think. And it reminded me of the reason why we have dreams for the future. These are the kinds of dreams that go beyond money and fame and external beauty. These are the things that make us come alive.
Do you want to come alive? Because I know I do.
The idea of coming alive fills me with so many ideas. Traveling. Befriending. Creating. Giving. Transforming. Coming alive can be a million different things, but they all have one thing in common: we become more truly ourselves. By coming alive, we become the people we were designed to be.
To me, coming alive means living with passion for something that matters. As some of us might know too well, living on our own behalf and for our own well-being will eventually run out of excitement. Giving of ourselves– while doing what makes us come alive– can bring us a lifetime of courage and joy.
As a recent college graduate, I am often asked, “So what are you going to do next?” There can be so much pressure that comes with that question. Sometimes, there can even be shame for those of us who don’t seem to be doing quite well enough.
I used to think that I needed to launch a legitimate professional career in order to be a “real person.” I thought that I needed to answer to a boss, earn a salary, have coworkers to complain about, meetings to attend and a briefcase, in order to feel that my young-adult life was fulfilled and accomplished.
Not anymore. My goal is far greater than that now. My goal is to come alive. So when I answer that dreaded post-college question, I start there.
What does coming alive mean to you? I would love to know!
